Peace and harmony are the basic requirements of a nation. When these qualities are absent, a country will not be able prosper and their citizens will be living in a constant state of fear.
In Singapore, we are able to go about our daily lives without much of a worry due to the hard work that MHA puts in to keep our country safe and secure. We speak to two representatives from MHA to find out about how they do their part to help maintain the peace in Singapore. CPT Ang Hwee Ting tells us about fighting fires and dealing with chemical threats in the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), while Zhuang Zheshen shares some details on his illustrious civilian career in the Ministry of Home Affairs, Headquarters.
Why did you choose to pursue a career under MHA’s Home Team?
CPT Ang: Being in the SCDF enables me to make a difference to people’s lives. I find it an enriching career as it has empowered me with the responsibility to protect and save lives and property, and work with other Home Team Departments in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore. SCDF has also given me the rare opportunity to be part of the Operations Lionheart contingent which may be activated for overseas humanitarian missions.
Zheshen: When I was serving my National Service in the Army, I got to experience first-hand how technology could be utilised as a force multiplier to overcome our natural constraints such as our small population. I also learnt that there were good people who are working hard and staying vigilant in the Home Team every day to keep our country safe and secure so that the rest of Singapore can go about with our life pursuits. This inspired me to join and contribute in my own way.
CPT Ang Hwee Ting
MHA Local Merit Scholar
Commander, Jurong Island Fire Station
Tell us about your roles and responsibilities.
CPT Ang: I am currently the Commander of Jurong Island Fire Station. My main responsibility is to ensure the smooth daily operation of the Fire Station. I am in charge of approximately 100 career officers and Full-time National Servicemen (NSF) and will lead them in firefighting, rescue or hazardous materials (HazMat) operations which take place within my station’s operational boundary.
Zheshen: Having worked on Command, Control and Communications systems for MHA, I am presently a member of the project team involved in managing the development of Emergency Broadcast systems. Projects such as the SMS-based Public Alert System falls under our purview which allows the Home Team to effectively alert and communicate instructions to members of public in the event of major incidents and emergencies.
Zhuang Zheshen
Assistant Director (Platform)
Engineering Technology Development Centre
Ops-Tech Group
What are you most proud about regarding your career with MHA?
CPT Ang: When I look back at where I started, I cannot help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The SCDF offers many opportunities for career advancement. I initially started as a Rota Commander at Tuas Fire Station, in charge of approximately 30 personnel. We work 24-hour shifts and will respond to any fire, rescue or HazMat incidents within the station’s operational boundary. During this posting, I was also given the opportunity to be an SCDF paracounsellor, providing counselling to those who needed a listening ear.
Subsequently, I was posted to the Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Department as a Senior Staff Officer dealing with Biological Threats. In this department, I was given the opportunity to go to Germany and USA to learn about their HazMat operations. I was recently posted to Jurong Island Fire Station as the Commander. I look forward to progressing in my career and contributing to the best of my ability towards the lifesaving mission of the Force.
Zheshen: I take pride in the way MHA evolves to meet the changing needs of society. MHA plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of Singapore and Singaporeans. With the increasingly challenging security landscape, the Home Team’s work is becoming more complex and more difficult due to global trends complicating our operating environment. MHA has started a journey to transform the way the Home Team works to stay ahead of these challenges.
What words of advice do you have for those considering a career with MHA?
Zheshen: Seek opportunities to talk to our Home Team officers and find out more about what we do. For a meaningful and fulfilling career with MHA, I believe it is important to believe strongly in our mission of keeping Singapore safe and secure.
If you have the relevant knowledge in the domains of Science and Engineering, I encourage you to explore career opportunities with us. There are many areas and opportunities where you can contribute and make an impact, which will benefit your friends and family living and working here in Singapore.
